We hear a lot about what motivates people to buy a brand. Some prefer performance, mileage, styling or luxury, but one of the most common justifications is reliability.
Face it, reliability has it merits, but the fact is that the average buyer is holding on to a new car for a minimum of six years now, and for most of us that is at least two years outside of a warranty.
So is it the fear of a break down or major expense that is the REAL motivating factor that allows one to justify reliability as a major factor in a purchase? Statistically, vehicles have never been more reliable than today and in most cases an issue will not leave you on the side of the road. The flipside to the argument is that repairs can be very expensive on these technology laden chariots. Sometimes topping a thousand dollars.
So the real question maybe how lucky do you feel in those unprotected final years of ownership?
If you had the choice between two similar vehicles with the following key differences which would be more inclined to choose over a six year period?
Vehicle ”A” which scores better in reliability than the competition and has a four year warranty.
OR
Vehicle “B” which scores average in reliability but it equipped with a ten year warranty?
Both will probably take you the complete six years without major issue, but does the security of the lengthy warranty sway you over the reputation of no issues?